Christmas may be a little different from usual this year, but VisitLincoln.com has all the festive activities in one place - and each one is COVID-secure!
With boutique and high street shopping, trails around Lincoln city centre and festive light displays, there are plenty of family activities to plan despite the current restrictions.
Experience Christmas in Lincoln by walking through displays of Christmas lights and Christmas tree-lined pathways, and enjoy a mulled wine or hot chocolate while you explore. This year there is even an illuminated 'selfie' trail people can follow to capture the Christmas spirit!
Children will be happy to know that Father Christmas is not on furlough this year and is most definitely a key worker! Santa and his elves will be at the Waterside Shopping Centre throughout December, from Saturday 5th until Christmas Eve. You’ll find Santa’s Grotto on the Waterside Level near the New Look and Superdrug stores.
Waterside Shopping Centre will also be open until 8pm for late night shopping on Thursday 10th and 17th December. Free parking in City of Lincoln Council’s car parks is also on offer if you pay by phone.
You can also experience Christmas with Rand Farm Park virtually, with an online meeting with Father Christmas, so little ones can tell him exactly what they wish for - an exciting and digital alternative to the Farm’s annual Real Christmas Experience. Also included is access to the feature-length film of this year’s ‘Elf Academy,’ with a singalong of “Place the Star on Top” and a dance-off to the latest cheesy Christmas music video.
You will also find unique gifts for Christmas from local artists and crafters at the Lincoln Christmas Makers’ Market on Castle Hill this December.
Showcasing art, craft, ceramics, glass art, and much more, the Lincoln Makers’ Market is home to a wide range of local Lincolnshire artisans. It’s located at the top of Steep Hill on Lincoln’s Castle Hill, nestled between Lincoln Castle and Lincoln Cathedral. The Lincoln Christmas Makers’ Market is a great place to browse and buy affordable art and craft direct from established and up and coming makers from the local area.
For those people who would prefer to shop from the comfort of their own home, Lincoln Farmers’ Market is hosting a virtual experience and it is a great opportunity to pick up some last-minute festive goodies. You can also use the Shop Lincoln directory to buy from Lincoln businesses online, many of which offer delivery and click and collect services.
If you are looking for something a little more energetic why not take part in the virtual Santa Fun Run? This year, the organisers of this local tradition are giving runners the opportunity to plan their own virtual events with lots of flexibility. Runners can pick their own date in December, as well as their own location. Choose to go solo or in a bubble, even choose to run, walk, push or crawl! There are only 1000 spaces available so it will be on a first-come, first-served basis - the perfect excuse to run off those mince pies!
Or for some Christmas crafting fun, you can take part in a virtual Advent Wreath Festival hosted by St. Mary Magdalene Church.
No Christmas is complete without a tree, and choosing a freshly cut homegrown tree is a tradition many families enjoy. Thankfully, many of Lincolnshire's favourite places to purchase a Christmas tree are still offering that experience. Amongst them is Doddington Hall, whose pretty stable yard will be full of trees of all shapes and sizes, as well as its famous "Bauble Barn."
Due to Tier restrictions events are subject to change so please do check before setting out. For a full range of activities, including dates, times and social distancing advice please visit www.visitlincoln.com/christmas.
